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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 78
Oxford News By Hana Edition 78
The roads that go ever on...
Mark Skipworth
October 29, 2026
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Oxford News by HANA - Edition 78
Oxford Outlook: The roads that go ever on…
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The full extent of Oxfordshire's pitiful roads and rail system is revealed this week in inglorious detail. The BBC has, so to speak, gone the extra mile by compiling an exhaustive A-Z of Oxford and the county's dysfunctional transport network. It makes shameful reading verging on the surreal.
You might think it’s just not possible to produce a credible compendium of 26 serious individual flaws in our local infrastructure. But sadly, you'd be wrong.
The BBC’s alphabet of transport troubles – highlighted in our latest newsletter – gets off to a solid start with the bumper-to-bumper rush hour misery of the A34.
B is for Oxford’s Botley Road – what else? – which reopened last month after a three-year closure, a delay of two years from when it was supposed to be back up and running. (One disgruntled business owner has now installed a mock ‘blue plaque’ to commemorate the chaos caused by the closure – see the separate story below.)
C is for – you guessed it – the congestion charge which imposed a £5 fee on cars each time they passed through six points in Oxford. Last month it was replaced by Oxfordshire County Council’s traffic filters trial – F is for Filters, not surprisingly – which is already causing unnecessary gridlock in the city centre.
Crawling on, there’s P for potholes – 2,800 of them recorded last October, though the county council claims to have filled 54,000 since January. Really?
Q is for “quiet lanes” intended to make journeys safer for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders. Critics say the county council policy of these partial road closures is unwanted and has been “weaponised” against motorists.
And Z? The Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ), of course. Oxford, it has been claimed, was the first place in the country to charge non-zero emission vehicles to travel on several city centre roads. The plan was for a wider rollout, but the county council appears to have opted instead to prioritise the traffic filters trial, at least for the time being.
Happy motoring!
* With an hour to kill last week, I popped into the Museum of Oxford – my first ever visit, I’m embarrassed to admit. Located in the Town Hall, MOX has been open in a variety of forms since 1975, but lately has suffered a sharp drop in footfall after the introduction of controversial admission fees.
All I can say is that it would be a sad loss were the museum to close, for it tells the unique story of the city and its communities (not just the university) through its excellent display of original, quirky exhibits. So it’s particularly heartening to learn this week that the city council has decided to row back on some of the charges, with free entry restored for Oxford residents. "Nobody in Oxford will have an excuse not to" visit the museum, declared city council leader Susan Brown. You heard her.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, dating back to the 12th century.
Of course, folk didn’t really speak English eons ago. It was more like Elvish (a language devised by Tolkien or a somewhat tipsy Mr Presley impersonator).
Oxford is a member of the 24-strong Russell Group of top UK universities. The group is not named after the brilliant, but slightly odd, philosopher and logician Bertrand Russell. It was coined after a meeting of university bigwigs at London’s Hotel Russell in 1994. Who knew?
So, what do the numbers tell us about this vaunted and valuable academic institution?
Number of Oxford colleges: 32 - from Balliol to Brasenose and beyond
Number of undergraduates: 12,375
Number of postgraduates: 13,650
Global appeal: Oxford’s students hail from more than 175 countries and territories. International students make up 43% of the student body. To borrow from ABBA, “Money, Money, Money!” Overseas boffins pay way more in fees than grimy Brits from these shores. Up to £67k for non-clinical courses, for example.
UK appeal: Apparently, almost 80% of undergraduates at Oxford are from these fair isles. And, according to the university, over 66% attended state schools. Furthermore, 21% come from the “least advantaged backgrounds”. Now there’s a data point for The Office for National Statistics (ONS) in which to sink its fangs.
Student population: As things stand, students represent roughly 6.5% of Oxford’s overall population. That’s a lot of mitre boards and bicycles for one small city to absorb.
Economic impact: The university claims to contribute £17 billion to the UK economy – a very big number. It also claims to “support” 57,000 jobs in Oxford and the southeast. The number crunchers at the ONS should be licking their lips.
Notwithstanding some of its more grandiose claims, the University of Oxford is, undoubtedly, a global powerhouse – and a local jewel. So, let’s praise its leadership and dedication to academic excellence.
Sources: The University of Oxford and The Russell Group
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Top Stories From Oxford This Week
From A to Z: An ABC of Oxfordshire's transport troubles BBC News - October 25, 2026 Oxfordshire is grappling with significant transport challenges, including congestion on the A34 and ongoing infrastructure project delays, such as the Kennington bridge replacement and a new station platform. Recent changes, including the reopening of Botley Road and the introduction of traffic filters, have sparked frustration among commuters, while the county council faces financial strains and public concerns regarding noise pollution and school transport for special needs children. |
Botley Road ‘blue plaque’ highlights anger of local businesses hit by three-year closure of highway This is Oxfordshire - October 28, 2026 The reopening of Botley Road, following a contentious three-and-a-half-year closure due to the installation of a £237.4 million rail bridge, has sparked mixed reactions from local businesses, many of which suffered significant losses. Stakeholders are calling for accountability and continued dialogue with authorities to address the project's shortcomings and support affected enterprises. |
Oriel College urged to cancel student group’s event with Jason Arday accuser The Guardian - October 27, 2026 Oriel College, University of Oxford, is facing calls to cancel an event featuring Nathan Cofnas due to concerns over his controversial views and potential impact on student safety and inclusivity. The Reform Society, which organised the event, asserts its right to host discussions while emphasising their commitment to respectful dialogue amid the college's focus on balancing freedom of speech with a supportive environment. |
RAF base chemical contamination ‘worst in the UK’, report finds BBC News - October 29, 2026 A new report has revealed that RAF Upper Heyford, earmarked for the development of 9,000 homes, faces significant PFAS contamination, raising health concerns among local residents, especially given the proximity of a primary school. Community representatives are calling for immediate action and thorough environmental assessments to safeguard public health and support sustainable living aspirations in the area. |
RAF Fairford terror plot suspects ‘controlled by Iranian handler’
Two British men charged over the suspected RAF Fairford terror plot were allegedly being handled by an operative believed to be working for Iran, a court has heard. Court proceedings have revealed communications between defendants Nouman Essghir and Mohmed Abdulkarim and an individual named Ali, who is suspected of orchestrating a conspiracy. This connection is pivotal for the prosecution's case, as it may shed light on the intentions of those involved and could significantly influence the trial's outcomes.
Halloween trick-or-treating safety advice issued to families Oxford Mail - October 28, 2026 Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with Thames Valley Police and West Oxfordshire Neighbourhood Team, has released essential Halloween safety guidelines, urging residents to use torches, wear reflective clothing and respect neighbours by only visiting homes that welcome trick-or-treaters. Parents are encouraged to establish a meeting point for their children to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. |
E-bikes company Lime makes shock announcement for Oxford customers Oxford Mail - October 27, 2026 Lime Bikes has announced its exit from Oxford following the awarding of a new micromobility contract to competitor Voi, despite completing over 30,000 trips and contributing to greener travel. Oxfordshire County Council's new initiative will expand e-bike and e-scooter services to additional areas, while Lime continues to enhance urban mobility solutions in other UK cities. |
South Oxfordshire council calls for action to combat misogyny and violence against women Oxford Mail - October 28, 2026 On October 22, the South Oxfordshire District Council, led by council member Kate Gregory, passed a motion calling for a national campaign to combat misogyny and promote safety for women and girls in all aspects of life. The council emphasises the need for stronger government leadership and public awareness to address violence against women, particularly urging enhanced actions regarding rape investigations. |
Work begins on new square in Oxford to replace Clarendon Centre BBC News - October 26, 2026 The Clarendon Centre in Oxford is to be transformed into a vibrant open-air square, following approval from Oxford City Council. Developer Goldmoney Properties aims to revitalise the area with shops, cafes and greenery while prioritising local independent businesses over chain stores. |
Oxford Market Quarter: “We want to encourage people to explore further” Oxford Clarion - October 28, 2026 The Oxford Market Quarter initiative, led by colleges including Lincoln and All Souls, aims to revitalise the city centre into a vibrant hub for independent retail while preserving its historic character. This collaborative effort will enhance the local business landscape, improve visitor engagement and support Oxford's economic vitality through strategic investments and a new promotional platform. |
Museum of Oxford fees partly axed after drop in footfall BBC News - October 26, 2026 Oxford City Council has reinstated free entry for local residents at the Museum of Oxford after a significant drop in visitor numbers following the introduction of a £4 admission fee. This decision aims to enhance community engagement and accessibility, reflecting the council's recognition of the initial policy's negative impact on footfall. |
No timescale for Oxford 'wobbly' bridge replacement BBC - October 28, 2026 Oxfordshire County Council is set to replace the Cottesmore footbridge in south Oxford, which was closed in May due to safety concerns. Local officials and residents have voiced frustration over the lack of a replacement timeline, especially given that structural issues had been known for years prior to the closure. |
Oxford Aunt Sally finals deliver tense battles and a new winner This is Oxfordshire - October 28, 2026 The recent competition featured thrilling victories, including Steve Ward's first Oxford Singles title and Tony Eeles' dramatic win in the Ted Houghton Singles final, both decided by shoot-outs. Littlemore British Legion also excelled, securing a league and cup double, while the event celebrated sportsmanship and community spirit. |
Building site collapse has 'ongoing safety concerns' Oxford Mail - October 28, 2026 Cherwell Street in Banbury remains closed following a building collapse on October 21 that hospitalised two men, prompting an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) due to significant internal damage. As traffic congestion rises, stakeholders are urged to prioritise safety protocols and remain informed about ongoing assessments and remediation efforts. |
Jeremy Clarkson's Oxfordshire pub hosts Red Fox Labrador meet BBC News - October 25, 2026 The Farmer's Dog pub, owned by Jeremy Clarkson, hosted its second Red Fox Labrador meet-up, attracting over 250 dogs and 600 attendees, including Clarkson's partner, Lisa Hogan. Organiser Michael Singer noted the event's remarkable growth and philanthropic impact, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting Shout, a mental health support service for farmers, despite challenging weather conditions. |
'New powers' for Thames Valley in devolution plan BBC News - October 28, 2026 A devolution plan for the Thames Valley is gaining traction, with support from Liberal Democrat leaders in Oxfordshire and Windsor and Maidenhead, as Chancellor John Healey announces the finalisation of 10 new devolution deals. The proposed Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority aims to enhance local governance over critical regional matters, potentially leading to a mayoral election by 2028 while allowing local councils to retain control of essential services. |
Oxfordshire branch of UK charity set to open first shop in Didcot Oxford Mail - October 28, 2026 RSPCA Oxfordshire and Reading will celebrate the inauguration of its new charity shop at 164 Broadway, Didcot, on October 30 at 11 am, with the Mayor of Didcot in attendance. The shop will offer a variety of donated items and operate weekly from Monday to Wednesday, showcasing the organisation's rich history in animal welfare. |
Stow-on-the-Wold vet warns of fireworks impact on dogs Cotswold Journal - October 28, 2026 As Bonfire Night approaches, Becca Jones, clinical director at Stow Veterinary Centre, highlights the distress fireworks can cause in dogs which perceive sounds from greater distances and lack contextual understanding. To alleviate anxiety, she recommends creating a safe indoor environment with background noise to mask firework sounds. |
The new Morse? Oxford crime writer releases debut thriller set in the city Yahoo News UK - October 24, 2026 Debut author P.J. Armstrong's thriller, 'The Blackthorn Pact,' follows former detective inspector Arthur Graves as he investigates the suspicious death of a young woman linked to a cryptic note, revealing hidden secrets in Oxford's historic estates. Available in paperback and on Kindle since October 14, Armstrong's meticulous writing process resulted in 25 drafts, ensuring that Oxford plays a pivotal role in the narrative. |
Sport
Oxford Outlook: Harris the hero
Oxford United 1 v 0 Stockport County (League One, 27/10/26)
Wales striker Mark Harris walloped in the winner against high-flying Stockport on Tuesday night. It was enough to secure The U’s a vital win against a decent side.
The victory followed a creditable, if boring, 0-0 home draw against fourth placed Bradford City last Saturday.
Say it softly, but the men in yellow are in good shape. Four points from two matches against top four teams is a healthy return. Manager Aaron Ramsey should have a smile on his face.
League One: Top Three
1 Huddersfield Town (25 points)
2 Stockport County (23 points)
3 Oxford United (22 points)
The key stat is that United have a game in hand over Huddersfield and two over Stockport. The top two get promoted to the Championship automatically. The U’s need to go up to justify their forthcoming new stadium complex (complete with a hotel suited for the very best travelling salespersons this country has to offer).
Much more importantly, Oxford are a point ahead of Cambridge United who now sit outside the playoff places. Shame.
The Sports Desk
Oxford United Fixture Postponed Due To International Call-Ups Oufc - Oxford United has postponed their EFL Sky Bet League One away match against Peterborough United, originally set for November 14, due to international player call-ups. Tickets for the original date will remain valid for the rescheduled match, with further updates to follow. |
Property news
Supermodel Jerry Hall in battle over Oxfordshire mansions Yahoo News UK - October 22, 2026 Jerry Hall is currently entangled in property disputes concerning her two Oxfordshire homes, including the Grade II-listed Holmwood House acquired with Rupert Murdoch and the contentious Great Tew Manor, which has faced local opposition amid ambitious restoration plans. These developments follow Hall's high-profile marriage to Murdoch, which ended in divorce in mid-2022 after six years. |
Couple turns a 1935 Oxfordshire pub into a five-bedroomed home while keeping its original bar; property listed for £1.85 million The Times of India - October 27, 2026 The Fox, a former pub in Bix, Oxfordshire, has been expertly renovated into a spacious five-bedroomed family home, highlighting its original timber-framed bar and Arts-and-Crafts features. With an emphasis on entertaining, the property boasts ample living spaces, including a dining room that comfortably seats 14, and offers potential for further enhancements such as a kitchen extension and a cinema room conversion. |
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What’s on in and around Oxford?
Two Oxford attractions named among ‘most underrated’ in England Yahoo News UK - October 26, 2026 According to a study by Stasher, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Bodleian Libraries have been recognised as two of England's most underrated attractions, ranking seventh and tenth respectively in a list that evaluates Tripadvisor ratings against online engagement metrics. Notably, Oxford is one of only two cities to feature multiple attractions in the English top 10. |
Crocodiles of the World welcomes two Gila monsters This is Oxfordshire - October 28, 2026 Crocodiles of the World in Brize Norton has welcomed two Gila monsters, offering visitors a rare chance to observe these unique venomous lizards known for their striking orange-and-black markings. Their presence not only enriches visitor education but also underscores important conservation efforts, as Gila monsters are classified as “Near Threatened”. |
Harry Potter and Doctor Who star coming to Oxford University Yahoo News UK - October 27, 2026 Award-winning actor Toby Jones will perform at the "Follow the Stars" Christmas Carol Concert at Oxford University's Christ Church Cathedral on December 11, celebrating its 30th anniversary in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. The event promises an evening of choral music and festive readings from notable guests, including Max Irons, Jeremy Irons, Sinead Cusack and Mel Giedroyc, alongside tenor Thomas Elwin. |
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